Evaluation of Urban Green Spaces as Habitats for Native Bees along an Urbanization Gradient in Central Texas

This study will evaluate urban green spaces as habitats for native bees by sampling bee populations along an urbanization gradient in Central Texas. Green spaces located within urban landscapes may provide suitable habitats that are capable of supporting a large diversity of bee populations. However, variation in vegetation and landscape composition may influence bee assemblages. This study will explore the differences in bee diversity by sampling bees in urban green spaces surrounded by varying amounts of impervious cover.

During the course of this study, we seek to answer these research questions:

What is the diversity of native bees within the Central Texas region?
Does native bee community composition, abundance, and species richness vary along an urbanization gradient?
Do vegetation and the composition of the landscape influence the use of urban green spaces by native bees?

This study may inform future city planning and management decisions in San Antonio to conserve and promote urban bee diversity. More generally, this study will provide information on the impact of urban development on bee communities and offer a glimpse at the diversity of native bees in Central Texas.

If you are interested in volunteering for this study, please contact Sally Lent at sallylent@yahoo.es.

The Bee Team

Sally Lent, B.S.
Janis Bush, Ph.D.
Jessica Beckham, Ph.D.
Jonathan Koch, Ph.D.
Julian Chavez, M.S.
Hector Escobar, B.S.
Hunter Messick, Undergraduate Student